Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

2. A client with hypothyroidism may present with which of the following findings?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hair loss
• C. Dry skin
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dry skin is a common manifestation of hypothyroidism due to decreased thyroid hormone levels, leading to reduced sweating and oil production. Weight gain may occur due to a slowed metabolism, not diarrhea, as hypothyroidism is more commonly associated with constipation. Hair loss is typically associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.

3. A healthcare professional is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is receiving mechanical ventilation. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare professional recommend?

• A. Suction the airway every hour
• B. Keep the head of the bed at 30 degrees
• C. Change the ventilator tubing every day
• D. Administer a bronchodilator every 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep the head of the bed at 30 degrees. This position helps reduce the risk of aspiration and improves ventilation. Suctioning the airway every hour may lead to mucosal damage and increase the risk of infection. Changing the ventilator tubing every day is not necessary unless there are specific indications to do so, as it can increase the risk of contamination and infection. Administering a bronchodilator every 2 hours is not a standard practice and should be done based on the client's individualized treatment plan.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has a brainstem injury. The nurse should expect the client to exhibit which of the following findings?

• A. Decerebrate posturing.
• B. Hypervigilance.
• C. Absence of deep tendon reflexes.
• D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is an abnormal body posture characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, which indicates severe brainstem injury affecting the midbrain and pons. This posture suggests dysfunction or damage to neural pathways controlling muscle tone. Choice B, hypervigilance, is not typically associated with brainstem injury but rather with increased alertness and arousal. Choice C, absence of deep tendon reflexes, is not a specific finding related to brainstem injury. Choice D, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, indicates a fully awake and alert state, which is not expected in a client with a brainstem injury.

5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about ways to reduce solid fat consumption with a client who has an elevated cholesterol level. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use oils with trans fats
• B. Choose lean cuts of beef
• C. Avoid purchasing beef that is a loin cut
• D. Purchase chicken instead of lamb

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Choose lean cuts of beef.' Selecting lean cuts of beef is crucial in reducing solid fat consumption for individuals with high cholesterol levels. Lean cuts contain less saturated fat compared to fatty cuts, thus aiding in managing cholesterol levels. Option A is incorrect as oils with trans fats should be avoided since they contribute to unhealthy fats. Option C is not directly related to reducing solid fat consumption. Option D, while suggesting a leaner meat option, does not address the issue of solid fat consumption as directly as choosing lean cuts of beef.

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